Common Names

Parts Usually Used

Description of Plant(s) and
Culture

Blind nettle is a perennial plant; the hollow quadrangular stem is hairy, little-branched, and green or sometimes violet-hued. The leaves are opposite, petioled, ovate and cordate, hairy on both sides, and serrate. White bilabiate flowers appear from April to October.

Medicinal Properties

Legends, Myths and Stories

Uses

An infusion made from the plant is used for leucorrhea, irregular menstrual periods, and weak menstrual flow, stomach and intestinal problems, and vaginal douches. The infusion can be used as a bath additive to relieve uterine cramps, boils, and tumors. A poultice of boiled leaves and flowers can be used for tumors, boils, sores, varicose veins, and gouty pains. A tea or tincture made from the flowers is used for insomnia. Use young leaves in a salad for a spring tonic. Acts as astringent and is soothing with specific action on the reproductive system, reducing benign prostate enlargement and acting as a uterine tonic; useful after prostate surgery.